Which of the following is the same for all atoms of the same element?
Tick (✓) one box - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
Which of the following is the same for all atoms of the same element?
Tick (✓) one box.
Atomic number.
Mass number.
Neutron number.
Which of the following is dif... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which of the following is the same for all atoms of the same element?
Tick (✓) one box - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which of the following is the same for all atoms of the same element?
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Answer
The correct option to tick is Atomic number. This is because the atomic number, which indicates the number of protons in the nucleus, is unique to each element and remains constant for all its atoms.
Step 2
Which of the following is different for isotopes of the same element?
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Answer
The correct answer is Number of neutrons. Isotopes of an element have the same atomic number (and thus the same number of protons) but differ in the number of neutrons.
Step 3
Which type of radiation is emitted when nucleus D decays?
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Answer
The correct option to select is Alpha. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei and is commonly emitted during the decay of heavy elements.
Step 4
Which type of radiation is emitted when nucleus E decays?
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Answer
The selected answer should be Beta. Beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons during nuclear decay.
Step 5
Complete the sentences.
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Answer
For the statement about the increasing thickness of paper:
The reading on the detector will decrease.
This is because the amount of radiation absorbed by the paper will increase.
Step 6
What is meant by 'half-life'?
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Answer
The correct definition is The time it takes for the count rate of a radioactive sample to halve. This reflects the time needed for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to undergo decay.
Step 7
Why should the radiation source used in Figure 9 have a long half-life?
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Answer
The answer is: So the activity of the source is approximately constant. This ensures minimal fluctuations in radiation levels over time, which is essential for safety and measurement accuracy.
